The Habit Of Prayer

• Restoration Of Jerusalem • Jeremiah 33:14-16
• Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10+14
• Plea For Growth In Holiness • 1 Thessalonians 3:12–4:2
• Coming Of The Son Of Man • Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Key Passage: Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)

Adult Question: What have been the strengths of your prayer life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during this Advent season?

Child Question: What prayers will you say each day and each week during Advent?

Prayer Of Repentance

• Jerusalem Consoled • Baruch 5:1-9
• Psalm 126:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 6
• Gratitude And Hope • Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
• John The Baptist • Luke 3:1-6

Key Passage: John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 3:3)

Adult Question: In what areas of your life do you need God's forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?

Child Question: What do you want to ask God to forgive you for? What can you do during Advent to show you are sorry?

Immaculate Conception

• The Fall • Genesis 3:9-15, 20
• Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
• The Father's Plan For Salvation • Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
• Announcement Of The Birth Of Jesus • Luke 1:26-38

Key Passage: Ephesians 1:4 (chosen by God)

Adult Question: How has faith in Jesus transformed your life?

Child Question: Who in your family has helped you have faith in Jesus?

The Joy Of Kindness

• Promise Of A Savior • Zephaniah 3:14-18a
• Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
• Joy And Peace • Philippians 4:4-7
• John Calls The People To Justice • Luke 3:10-18

Key Passage: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. (Philippians 4:4–5)

Adult Question: What might John the Baptist challenge you to do differently in your life?

Child Question: Do you have extras that you can share with others this week?

Obedience To God's Will

• Restoration Through The Messiah • Micah 5:1-4a
• Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
• The Second Covenant • Hebrews 10:5-10
• The Visit To Elizabeth • Luke 1:39-45

Key Passage: Elizabeth said, "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

Adult Question: When was it hardest for you to trust in God's plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times?

Child Question: When is it hardest for you to obey a parent or teacher? What can help you obey with more trust?

Mass At Dawn

• Your Salvation Comes • Isaiah 62:11-12
• Psalm 97:1+6, 11-12
• The Loving Kindness Of God Our Savior Appeared • Titus 3:4-7
• The Birth Of The Savior • Luke 2:15-20

Key Passage: Mary treasures these events in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Adult Question: What will you do during this Christmas season to reflect in your heart, as Mary did, on God's gift of the Savior?

Child Question: What would you say to Jesus as you stand before the nativity scene in your church?

Mass During The Day

• The One Who Brings Glad Tidings • Isaiah 52:7-10
• Psalm 98:1, 2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6
• God Speaks Through His Son • Hebrews 1:1-6
• In The Beginning Was The Word • John 1:1-18

Key Passage: "His own did not accept him." (John 1:10–11)

Adult Question: If Jesus were to be born today, do you think you would accept him and follow him? Why or why not?

Child Question: What could you and your family do for others during the next week to celebrate the birth of Jesus?

Respect For Elders

• Hannah Bears A Son • 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
• Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10
• Confidence Before God • 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
• The Boy Jesus In The Temple • Luke 2:41-52

Key Passage: Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house? (Luke 2:49)

Adult Question: What does your family do to honor and respect its older members?

Child Question: Why did Jesus leave the temple? How can Jesus be an example for you?

Living With Uncertainty

• The Priestly Blessing • Numbers 6:22-27
• Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6+8
• Free Sons Of God In Christ • Galatians 4:4-7
• The Shepherds' Visit, The Circumcision • Luke 2:16-21

Key Passage: Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Adult Question: When have you found it difficult to understand or accept a teaching of the church? What helps you be faithful?

Child Question: Who teaches you to have faith in God?

Overcoming Jealousy

• Glory Of The New Zion • Isaiah 60:1-6
• Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13
• Commission To Preach God's Plan • Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
• The Visit Of The Magi • Matthew 2:1-12

Key Passage: Then Herod sent the [magi] to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." (Matthew 2:8)

Adult Question: When have you been jealous or fearful of another person? When are such feelings harmful?

Child Question: When have you been jealous because something good happened to another person instead of you? What is the problem with feeling that way?

Pleasing To God

• Promise Of Salvation • Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
• Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29b-30
• Transformation Of Life • Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
• The Baptism Of Jesus • Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Key Passage: He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16b)

Adult Question: Do you think that God was "well pleased" by your actions in recent weeks? Why?

Child Question: What good thing could you do this week that would be pleasing to God?

Thinking Of Others

• Jerusalem The Lord's Bride • Isaiah 62:1-5
• Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 9-10
• Variety And Unity • 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
• The Wedding At Cana • John 2:1-11

Key Passage: When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." (John 2:3)

Adult Question: When have you stepped in, as Mary did at Cana, to try and make a difficult situation easier for someone?

Child Question: What can you do this week to help make someone's job a little easier?

Time Accepting Responsibility

• Ezra Reads The Law • Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
• Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
• Analogy Of The Body • 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
• Beginning Of Jesus' Preaching • Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Key Passage: Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." (Luke 4:17b–18a)

Adult Question: What do you believe that the anointing you received at baptism requires you to do?

Child Question: What could you do this week for someone who has less than you?

Light For All The World

• Messenger Of The Covenant • Malachi 3:1-4
• Psalm 24:7, 8 ,9, 10
• Becoming Like Us To Save Us • Hebrews 2:14-18
• The Presentation In The Temple • Luke 2:22-40

Key Passage: [A] light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:32)

Adult Question: What does it mean to be a light that shows others, whether Christian or not, God's love?

Child Question: How can you be a light that shows God's love to others?

Stretching Our Limits

• Call Of Isaiah • Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8
• Psalm 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 7-8
• Christ's Resurrection • 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
• Call Of The First Disciples • Luke 5:1-11

Key Passage: Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." (Luke 5:8,10b)

Adult Question: When have you felt inadequate to a task or role you were given? How did you respond?

Child Question: When have you been asked to do something you felt might be too hard for you? What did you do?

Reaching Out To Others

• True Wisdom • Jeremiah 17:5-8
• Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4+6
• The Resurrection And Faith • 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
• The Great Discourse • Luke 6:17, 20-26

Key Passage: Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20)

Adult Question: In what way are you serving the poor, as Jesus did?

Child Question: When have you helped bring God's love to someone who was sad, or hungry, or whom others made fun of?

In Another's Shoes

• Saul's Life Spared; Saul Admits His Guilt • 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
• Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13
• The Natural And The Spiritual Body • 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
• Love Of One's Enemy • Luke 6:27-38

Key Passage: Jesus said, "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27–28)

Adult Question: What has allowed you to overcome obstacles and forgive someone who has hurt you?

Child Question: When has it been hard to forgive someone who hurt you? What did you do?

Authentic Living

• All Tested By Their Speech • Sirach 27:5-8
• Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
• Glorification Of The Body • 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
• All Known By Their Works • Luke 6:39-45

Key Passage: Jesus said, "How can you say to your neighbor, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye?" (Luke 6:42a)

Adult Question: When have you most felt like a hypocrite? How did you overcome this feeling?

Child Question: Is it a good thing or a bad thing to act differently from what you are really feeling? Explain.

Salvation Through Faith

• Thanksgiving For The Lord's Goodness • Deuteronomy 26:4-10
• Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
• The Faith Of The Christian • Romans 10:8-13
• Temptation In The Desert • Luke 4:1-13

Key Passage: For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Adult Question: How willing are you to profess your faith in Jesus Christ openly to others?

Child Question: Would you still be able to say that you believe in Jesus if others made fun of you for it?

Transformed By Christ

• The Covenant With Abram • Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
• Psalm 27:1, 7-8a, 8b-9, 13-14
• Christ Our Goal • Philippians 3:17–4:1
• Jesus Transfigured • Luke 9:28b-36

Key Passage: But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

Adult Question: How are your priorities affected by your faith in Jesus Christ?

Child Question: When you have important choices to make, do you and your family pray to make the right choice?

Tempered With Humility

• The Call Of Moses • Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
• Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8+11
• Against Overconfidence • 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
• Calls To Penance; Parables Of The Reign Of God • Luke 13:1-9

Key Passage: The reign of God is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. (Luke 13:19b)

Adult Question: What important work could bear fruit in your life right now if you have more confidence in God's loving care?

Child Question: What great work would you like to do as you grow older? What can you do to begin now?

A Generous Spirit

• Rites At Gilgal • Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
• Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
• A New Creation • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
• The Prodigal Son • Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Key Passage: Then the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found." (Luke 15:31–32)

Adult Question: When have you been generous enough to forgive someone who hurt you deeply?

Child Question: Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness of?

False Pride

• Promise Of Restoration • Isaiah 43:16-21
• Psalm 126:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 6
• Breaking With The Past • Philippians 3:8-14
• The Adulteress • John 8:1-11

Key Passage: Jesus straightened up and said, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)

Adult Question: Have you ever been too willing to "cast the first stone" when you disapproved of someone's behavior? How can you resist these feelings?

Child Question: When have you criticized or made fun of someone? What could help you act differently?

Palm Sunday At The Procession With Palms

• The Entry Into Jerusalem • Luke 19:28-40

Key Passage: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. (Luke 19:38)

Adult Question: What is your preferred way to pray or show honor to God?

Child Question: What is your favorite way to pray?

Love And Betrayal

• Salvation Only Through The Lord's Servant • Isaiah 50:4-7
• Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
• Imitating Christ's Humility • Philippians 2:6-11
• The Passion Of Jesus • Luke 22:14-23:56

Adult Question: When have you felt that you betrayed the confidence of another, as Peter did when he denied Jesus?

Child Question: When have you let someone down who trusted you? How did you feel?

Called To Serve

• The Passover Ritual Prescribed • Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
• Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
• The Lord's Supper • 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• The Washing Of The Feet • John 13:1-15

Key Passage: Jesus said, "If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (John 13:14–15)

Adult Question: What is the most difficult thing you have done as a service to another person?

Child Question: What is the hardest thing you have ever done for another person who needed your help?

Perfection Through Suffering

• Suffering And Triumph Of The Servant Of The Lord • Isaiah 52:13—53:12
• Psalm 31:2+6, 12-13, 15-16, 17+25
• Jesus, Compassionate High Priest • Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
• The Passion Of Our Lord Jesus Christ • John 18:1—19:42

Key Passage: When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. (Isaiah 53:10)

Adult Question: Can you say that you have grown through your experiences of physical or emotional suffering? Why or why not?

Child Question: How can the story of Jesus' suffering make it easier for you to face something painful or uncomfortable?

New Life In Christ

• First Story Of Creation • Use at least three, or up to seven readings from the OT, but always include #3: 1) Genesis 1:1—2:2 or 1, 26-31a; 2) Genesis 22:1-18 or 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; 3) Exodus 14:15—15:1; 4) Isaiah 54:5-14; 5) Isaiah 55:1-11; 6) Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; 7) Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
• Responses after each OT Reading: 1) Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10+12, 13-14, 24+35 or Psalm 33:4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20-22; 2) Psalm 16:5+8, 9-10, 11; 3) Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18; 4) Psalm 30:2+4, 5-6, 11-12a+13b; 5) Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; 6) Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11; 7) Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 or 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
• The Testing Of Abraham • NT Reading: Romans 6:3-11; Response after the Epistle: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
• The Women At The Tomb • Gospels for Years A, B, C: A) Matthew 28:1-10; B) Mark 16:1-7; C) Luke 24:1-12

Key Passage: Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Adult Question: What benefits has the new life of baptism brought to your life?

Child Question: If someone who was not a Christian asked you what difference it makes to be baptized, what would you say?

Made New By Christ

• Peter's Discourse • Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43
• Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
• Mystical Death And Resurrection • Colossians 3:1-4
• Peter And The Disciple At The Tomb • John 20:1-9

Key Passage: Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Adult Question: What change could the hope of the resurrection of Christ inspire you to make?

Child Question: What bad habit would you like to "clear out" during the hopeful time of this Easter season?

Living Without Fear

• Signs And Wonders • Acts of the Apostles 5:12-16
• Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
• First Vision • Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
• Appearance To The Disciples; Thomas • John 20:19-31

Key Passage: He placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever." (Revelation 1:17b–18a)

Adult Question: When has your faith in the living Christ helped you overcome fear?

Child Question: What could you do this Easter season to help someone feel less afraid?

Feed My Sheep

• Disciples' Second Trial Before The Sanhedrin • Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32, 40b-41
• Psalm 30:2+4, 5-6, 11-12a+13b
• Praise To The Lamb • Revelation 5:11-14
• Appearance At The Sea Of Tiberias • John 21:1-19

Key Passage: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15)

Adult Question: In what ways are you answering Jesus' command to Peter to "feed my sheep"?

Child Question: What do you do to take care of others as Jesus asked Peter to do?

Protected By Christ

• Paul's And Barnabas' Address To The Gentiles • Acts of the Apostles 13:14, 43-52
• Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
• Rejoicing Of The Elect Of Every Nation • Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
• Words At The Feast Of The Dedication Of The Temple • John 10:27-30

Key Passage: Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27–28)

Adult Question: Whom do you try to protect as Christ protects you?

Child Question: Who helps you feel safe and protected? Whom can you take care of and help feel safe?

Love One Another

• End Of The First Mission • Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27
• Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
• New Heavens And New Earth • Revelation 21:1-5a
• A New Commandment • John 13:31-33a, 34-35

Key Passage: Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." (John 13:34)

Adult Question: When have you seen the power of love overcome a bad situation?

Child Question: Do you believe love is stronger than hate? Why?

Keeping Jesus' Word

• Letter Of The Apostles To The Gentiles • Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2, 22-29
• Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6+8
• The New Jerusalem • Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
• Last Discourse; Faithfulness To God's Word • John 14:23-29

Key Passage: Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23)

Adult Question: What difference has it made in your life when you made a decision in accord with Jesus' teachings?

Child Question: When will you have to make a decision this week? What will help you make a good decision?

Prayer For Others

• Stephen's Martyrdom • Acts of the Apostles 7:55-60
• Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9
• Blessed Are Those Who Follow The Lamb • Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20
• Prayer For All Believers • John 17:20-26

Key Passage: Jesus prayed, "I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me."

Adult Question: What are some of the most important things to ask of God?

Child Question: What are some of the most important things to ask of God?

Spirit Of Truth

• Descent Of The Holy Spirit • Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
• Psalm 104:1+24, 29-30, 31+34
• Children Of God • Romans 8:8-17
• The Advocate • John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Key Passage: For those of you who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Rom 8:15)

Adult Question: When is it hard to tell the truth? How do you find courage to tell the truth, even when it is hard?

Child Question: When is it hard to tell the truth? How do you find courage to tell the truth, even when it is hard?

The Spirit Of Truth

• The Discourse Of Wisdom • Proverbs 8:22-31
• Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• Faith, Hope, And Love • Romans 5:1-5
• Coming Of The Paraclete • John 16:12-15

Key Passage: Jesus said, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:12–13a)

Adult Question: In what difficult situation has the Holy Spirit helped you see more clearly?

Child Question: What kind of decision can the Holy Spirit help you with?

True Authority

• David King Of Israel • Genesis 14:18-20
• Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4
• Christ's Fullness And Reconciliation • 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
• Loaves & Fishes • Luke 9:11b-17

Key Passage: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things...

Adult Question: Have you had an experience of not having enough of some gift or grace, then receiving more than enough? What happened?

Child Question: What do you have a little of that you can share with someone who has less?

Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles

• Peter's Escape From Prison • Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11
• Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
• Reward For Fidelity • 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
• Peter's Confession • Matthew 16:13-19

Key Passage: And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. (Matt 16:18a)

Adult Question: If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him?

Child Question: Who do you tell people Jesus is?

Accepting The Christian Message

• Mother Zion • Isaiah 66:10-14c
• Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16+20
• The Cross, Our True Boast • Galatians 6:14-18
• Mission Of The Seventy–Two • Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Key Passage: Jesus said to the disciples, "Whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.'" (Luke 10:10–11)

Adult Question: Where do you see the message of Christian faith being rejected in the world today? What is your response to that?

Child Question: What can you do when you are generous with others, and they do not want what you give them?

Acting With Mercy

• God's Command Clear • Deuteronomy 30:10-14
• Psalm 69:14+17, 30-31, 33-34, 36a+37
• Christ's Fullness And Reconciliation • Colossians 1:15-20
• The Good Samaritan • Luke 10:25-37

Key Passage: But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luke 10:33–34)

Adult Question: When have you gone out of your way to help a stranger in need?

Child Question: Would you help a new student who needed help? Why or why not?

Holy Visitors

• Abraham's Visitors • Genesis 18:1-10a
• Psalm 15:2-3a, 3b-4, 5
• The Mystery: Christ In Us • Colossians 1:24-28
• Martha And Mary • Luke 10:38-42

Key Passage: Jesus said to Martha, "There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)

Adult Question: Which response to God's call is more natural to you—prayer or action? Why?

Child Question: In the past week, when have you prayed and when have you done good things for others? Which could you do better?

Daily Prayer

• Abraham Intercedes For Sodom • Genesis 18:20-32
• Psalm 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 6-7a, 7b-8
• Sovereign Role Of Christ • Colossians 2:12-14
• The Our Father • Luke 11:1-13

Key Passage: Jesus said, "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." (Luke 11:9)

Adult Question: Have your most recent prayers been prayers of praise, petition, or sorrow? Which kind of prayer do you need to practice more often?

Child Question: What are you most thankful for right now?

Seeking Balance

• On Vanity • Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
• Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14+17
• Mystical Death And Resurrection • Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
• Trust In God, Not In Possessions • Luke 12:13-21

Key Passage: And Jesus said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15)

Adult Question: When have you felt that possessions were becoming too important in your life?

Child Question: Have you ever received a gift you wanted a lot and then found it didn't make you as happy as you thought it would?

Running The Race Of Faith

• On The Death Of The Egyptian First Born • Wisdom 18:6-9
• Psalm 33:1+12, 18-19, 20-22
• Faith Of The Ancients • Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
• We Depend On God; Prepare For The Master's Return • Luke 12:32-48

Key Passage: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1–2a)

Adult Question: Other than Jesus, which of the ancestors of Christian faith has served as the greatest example to you? Why?

Child Question: Which person of the Bible has been a good example to you of how to live?

Assumption

• The Ark Brought To Jerusalem • Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab
• Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16
• Glorification Of The Body • 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
• True Happiness By Keeping The Word Of God • Luke 1:39-56

Key Passage: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor 15:54)

Adult Question: How does your belief in external life affect your daily life?

Child Question: What does it mean to have hope?

An Unsettling Truth

• Jeremiah In The Miry Cistern • Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
• Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18
• God's Treatment Of His Sons And Daughters • Hebrews 12:1-4
• Jesus' Mission Of Division • Luke 12:49-53

Key Passage: Jesus said, "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!" (Luke 12:51)

Adult Question: When has your taking a strong stand on a moral issue created division rather than healing in the short term?

Child Question: Is it important to do the right thing even if others are angry as a result? Why or why not?

The Narrow Door

• Gathering Of The Nations • Isaiah 66:18-21
• Psalm 117:1, 2
• The Discipline Of God • Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
• The Narrow Door • Luke 13:22-30

Key Passage: Jesus answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able." (Luke 13:24)

Adult Question: What daily choices are you making that will allow you to be recognized at the doorway of the reign of God?

Child Question: What good habits are you practicing in order to be a good Christian?

Seeking Humility

• Humility • Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
• Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
• God The Judge; Jesus The Mediator • Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
• A Lesson In Humility • Luke 14:1, 7-14

Key Passage: Jesus said, "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:13–14)

Adult Question: Has the hunger for status and influence in the world around you endangered your life as a Christian?

Child Question: Does it make you a better person to be chosen first for a team or some other honor? Why or why not?

Discerning God's Will

• Solomon's Prayer • Wisdom 9:13-18b
• Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14+17
• Plea For Onesimus • Philemon 9-10, 12-17
• Sayings On Discipleship • Luke 14:25-33

Key Passage: For who can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail. (Wisdom 9:13–14)

Adult Question: How do you try to discover what God is asking of you?

Child Question: When is it hard for you to know the right thing to do? Who helps you know?

Exaltation Of The Cross

• The Bronze Serpent • Numbers 21:4b-9
• Psalm 78:1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38
• Humility Of Christ • Philippians 2:6-11
• For God So Loved The World • John 3:13-17

Key Passage: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Adult Question: What is something you can give up this week to make more time for prayer or service?

Child Question: Have you ever had to give something up (sacrifice)? Was it hard?

The Value Of Honesty

• Against Greed • Amos 8:4-7
• Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8
• Conduct Of Men And Women • 1 Timothy 2:1-8
• The Dishonest Steward • Luke 16:1-13

Key Passage: Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. (Luke 16:10)

Adult Question: Can cheating and deception ever be justified?

Child Question: If someone treats you unfairly, do you have the right to do the same to them?

The Rich And The Poor

• Third Woe • Amos 6:1a, 4-7
• Psalm 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10
• The Good Fight Of Faith • 1 Timothy 6:11-16
• The Rich Man And Lazarus • Luke 16:19-31

Key Passage: There was a rich man and at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table. (Luke 16:19–21)

Adult Question: What are the "rewards" of caring for the needs of the poor?

Child Question: What is one thing you and your family could do this week to help those who are poor or sick?

Faithful Christians

• Habakkuk's Complaint • Habb 1:2-3; 2:2-4
• Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9
• Exhortation To Faithfulness • 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
• Sayings On The Requirements Of Faith • Luke 17:5-10

Key Passage: Jesus said, "So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'" (Luke 17:10)

Adult Question: When have you done more than was required of you in the service of others?

Child Question: When have you done something extra for someone in your family without being asked? What did you learn from this?

Saying Thank You

• Elisha's Cure Of Naaman • 2 Kings 5:14-17
• Psalm 98:1, 2-3a, 3b-4
• Paul's Faithfulness To The Gospel • 2 Timothy 2:8-13
• Ten Lepers • Luke 17:11-19

Key Passage: Then one of the lepers, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:15–16)

Adult Question: Whose generosity do you tend to take for granted? How will you change this?

Child Question: When have you failed to say thank you? Why does this matter?

Taking Responsibility

• Battle With Amalek • Exodus 17:8-13
• Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
• Apostolic Charge • 2 Timothy 3:14—4:2
• The Corrupt Judge • Luke 18:1-8

Key Passage: For a while the judge refused; but later he said to himself, "Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out..."

Adult Question: Whose needs might you be failing to listen to right now?

Child Question: How often do you put off chores until you are forced to do them? Who is hurt by such a decision?

The Reward Of Humility

• The God Of Justice • Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
• Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19+23
• Reward For Fidelity • 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
• The Pharisee And The Tax Collector • Luke 18:9-14

Key Passage: "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)

Adult Question: When have you felt self-satisfied in observing the mistakes of others? What should we remember at such times?

Child Question: Have you ever thought you were better than someone else? What is the problem with such thoughts?

All Saints

• Rejoicing Of The Elect • Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
• Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
• Children Of God • 1 John 3:1-3
• The Beatitudes • Matthew 5:1-12a

Key Passage: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1)

Adult Question: What qualities do you see in yourself that mark you as a child of God?

Child Question: What is good about being a child of God?

All Souls

• The Souls Of The Just • Wisdom 3:1-9
• Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
• Christ's Death For Us • Romans 5:5-11
• Eternal Life • Matthew 5:1-12a

Key Passage: "For this is the will of the Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40)

Adult Question: How have those you have known who have died taught you how to live a holy life?

Child Question: How can those who died help us learn to be more like Jesus? Ask an adult to tell you stories of someone they knew.

God's House

• The Wonderful Stream • Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
• Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
• You Are God's Temple • 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
• Cleansing Of The Temple • John 2:13-22

Key Passage: "Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 16)

Adult Question: In what ways can you better honor and care for your body, God's holy temple?

Child Question: How can you take good care of your body, since it is God's house?

Overcoming Difficulties

• Messenger Of The Covenant • Malachi 3:19-20a
• Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9
• Qualifications Of Various Ministers • 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
• The Cataclysm To Come • Luke 21:5-19

Key Passage: Jesus said, "You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls." (Luke 21:17–19)

Adult Question: When bad things happen, how do you deal with them?

Child Question: Have you ever worried about something that might happen? What can help you worry less?

A King Above All

• David Anointed King • 2 Samuel 5:1-3
• Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5
• Christ Is Before And Above All Things • Colossians 1:12-20
• The Crucifixion • Luke 23:35-43

Adult Question: In what ways is Jesus the ruler of your life?

Child Question: How can you show that you honor Jesus as the king of your life?